Target Areas Regulating Plan

The CRA’s main development regulatory approach is form-based, which is founded on the physical structure of the built environment rather than the types of land uses that are permitted. A form-based code is based on design principles. Creating a form-based code begins with understanding the physical, social and economic conditions of the community. Since the CRA provides an environment for people to interact, it requires a different approach to planning and zoning than the tradition principle of separating land uses.

The design-based approach to the creation of form-based land development regulations involves concepts which clearly communicate a variety of desired development results. Functional land development regulations and standards to implement the design form are then created from these concepts. The result is a more understandable, predictable development framework that works for developers, property owners, and the City.

The goal of the Target Areas Regulating Plan is to ensure that the resulting form based code protects and enhances the most desirable places in the CRA, while requiring new developments to complement the character of the community. It is important that new standards maintain a consistent vision and philosophy for development and redevelopment within the CRA. One of the core concepts for CRA development is the design of its future streets, which are described using typical cross-sections.

The Plan recognizes three target areas for delineation as special districts where land development is to be governed by form-based code: